ˈæf.lu.ənt kənˈdjuːsɪv kənˈdusɪv ˈkɑn.flu.ənt ˈfidɚ ˈtɹɪbjʊtəɹi ˈtɹɪbjʊtəɹi tending to bring about; being partly responsible for working conditions are not conducive to productivity the seaport was a contributing factor in the growth of the city a contributory factor paying tribute a tributary colony (of a stream) flowing into a larger stream a branch that flows into the main stream